Rio FERDINAND EXCLUSIVE: I want to be England manager… we need more young bosses – Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Joachim Low weren’t old when they got jobs

When Rio Ferdinand completes his coaching badges, the former England defender has it all mapped out. He wants the biggest job of the lot.

This is his England dream; a vision and a philosophy that he believes will get the best out of the country’s players under his guidance. It feels good to hear someone care so much.

Fitting right in: Ferdinand with David Beckham and Sir Trevor Brooking on the bench in South Africa

‘Everyone has dreams of playing for England and my dream after football is to manage England,’ he revealed.

‘I don’t expect the chance now, but once I get the badges I am there. If I don’t get a job in management I will wonder why.’

Ferdinand started out on the coaching pathway when his career at Manchester United came to a close. It fills him with enthusiasm and now he wants more.

Making his point: Ferdinand spoke of his desire to ‘put a few noses out of joint’ at the FA

To listen to him talk about the national team, to hear the passion in his voice, leaves you wanting to know more. ‘I will give myself the best opportunity of getting the job by getting all the badges,’ he added.

‘I don’t think people should start shouting the odds about the opportunity to manage clubs until they have their badges. I am not sitting here saying “give me a job” because I don’t have them yet.’

‘Low, Klinsmann were young geezers when they started out with Germany,’ he added. ‘Look at Van Basten, Mourinho, Guardiola and Luis Enrique — they are not old fellas but they were given a chance. It is different in this country. We are 10 years behind in certain situations. We have to do what’s best for English football.’

Ferdinand has the bug for it. He would be a tracksuit manager, taking England’s players through sessions as they prepare under a player who won 81 caps for his country during a distinguished international career.